Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Bina Alimentari Part I

TBF recently had a private, exclusive tasting tour of Bina Alimenteri and Osteria with legendary Boston restaurateur Babak Bina, who also owns Lala Rokh and Bin 26 Enoteca. We discussed everything from space design to sources on this unique tour I think foodies, visitors, Chefs and friends will all enjoy. Babak, who also finds time to serve as the President of The Beacon Hill Civic Association, was a fascinating wealth of information and is a true connoisseur of fine food and drink. The Osteria and Alimentari are located in the Downtown Crossing area, very close to the Theater District which makes for a nice dining option before a show.

As a big fan of design, lets start there. I just loved the sleek design of this very long bar which extends out into the dining section, covering nearly the entire length of the restaurant. It offers a great street scene view. The material is flecked with mica, which shines brilliantly under the soft lighting. There are also 80 outdoor seats for alfresco dining on these fine summer nights.

The light, airy design presented some challenges. Support columns needed to be worked around and the team did an excellent job with these whimsical ceiling canopies that accentuate the height of the room. From this view you can see all the way back into the adjacent Alimentari. Take special note of that wall of frosted glass panels at the far end.

The very same glass panels, when viewed from an angle, are completely clear.

This was a really impressive and unique architectural element I had never seen before. When viewed from an angle the glass panels appear completely clear. When viewed directly, they are frosted, affording the diners the privacy of a magically transformed curtain.

The typically Italian stand of produce and freshly baked breads and rolls.

A mere few of the many fine, imported cheeses.

If anyone has had the great luck to visit Italy and shop in any of the smaller, quality food shops this is the closest experience to that I have found in Boston and a true antidote to those huge, mass market, food warehouses that, frankly, I am one to avoid at all costs. In Part Two we'll take a look at some of the products and tastes available but rest assured that it's the sort of place you go to find one quality ingredient you can then build a plate around. My kind of food heaven.

Today's winner of the Girard's Premium Salad Dressing contest is Anne Tanguay of Maine, who writes that she really enjoys our posts and photos about food and dining in and around the Ogunquit area. Congratulations Anne! Hopefully you'll enjoy your salads on picnics along the beautiful Maine coast. Don't forget to email us the address to ship your delicious food prize package to.

Where in the world have YOU been?

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